boutique - Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta was established in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. The name Bottega Veneta means “Venetian atelier” and the company was begun to produce artisanal leather goods. The company’s artisans developed a leather-weaving technique, called intrecciato, that remains a signature of the brand.

The most recent chapter in Bottega Veneta’s history began in February 2001, when the company was acquired by Gucci Group. Creative Director Tomas Maier came on board in June of that year and presented his first collection, for Spring-Summer 2002, that fall. The German-born Maier, whose résumé includes positions at Sonia Rykiel and Hermès, set about returning the brand to its original identity. He removed visible logos from the brand’s products, highlighted the signature intrecciato weave prominently, and returned the company’s focus to artisanal production.